Free State content creator Gaogakwe Ofentse Moholoagae, also known as Ska Phace, is rapidly cementing her status as the entertainment industry’s ultimate "events fairy godmother."
Born and bred in Bloemfontein, the 28-year-old powerhouse has transformed her passion for style and media into a booming career, recently being named the "New Bestie on the block"
Ska Phace, a name she proudly adopted after choosing to embrace a scar on her forehead, Moholoagae is proving that authenticity resonates.
Currently, she is an ambassador for The Foschini Group (TFG) retail store, The Fix; she collaborates with Era by DJ Zinhle; and she is the official face of Omoda Zee Nation Face 2026.
Her meteoric rise reached a historic milestone in December 2025 when she commanded the stage as the master of ceremonies for SA hip-hop star Cassper Nyovest’s "Fill Up Toyota Stadium" concert.
Reflecting on the career-defining moment, Moholoagae shared that when people look back at the historic stadium-filling event, her name will be mentioned as the MC who did an amazing job. “This is one of my biggest highlights yet.
“When they speak about #FillUpToyota Stadium, my name will be mentioned, that she...Ska Phace was the MC, and she did amazing,” she said.
She stunned the audience at the DJ Zinhle Zee Nation Fest that took place on Sunday in Johannesburg, wearing a striking bohemian denim two-piece outfit.
Beyond her fashion statements, she locked in a major moment by introducing the deep house mogul herself at a recent EP listening session.
Moholoagae described the experience as a dream come true, noting that she feels like she is living her dream for real.
Her fashion philosophy remains unshakeable.
“I mean, even if you are going through a lot, never compromise on looking good”, she said, justifying her undeniable love for fashion.
Moholoagae explained that she deeply understands the Era woman and the lifestyle the brand represents, describing herself as witty, confident, creative, and naturally drawn to spaces that celebrate ambition, self-expression, and style.
She believes that beyond aesthetics, she knows how to communicate with people in a relatable, engaging way that perfectly aligns with the modern African woman.
Despite her high-profile gigs, Moholoagae keeps her feet firmly on the ground, balancing her glamorous entertainment lifestyle with a regular 9-to-5 corporate job at the Performing Arts Centre of the Free State (PACOFS).
Her dedicated digital community, known as the "Ska Family," actively tunes in for her highly relatable "9-to-5 girlie vlogs", which capture the unglamorous behind-the-scenes realities of her daily routines, running errands, her faith-driven "church girlie" lifestyle, and luxury beauty product reviews.
Moholoagae openly shares that she still applies for traditional 9-to-5 jobs and secures her biggest entertainment bookings through sheer hustle. She revealed that she routinely called and emailed event organisers with her biography, master of ceremonies video links, and rate cards.
“I will send emails to event organisers with my bio, MC video links, rate card, and that is how I get my gigs.
“Put in the work behind the scenes as well. Some event organisers will hit you up; others you’re gonna have to do the job.
She says that for most of the big events that she MCed, she sent out emails pitching her craft.
She emphasised the importance of putting in the work behind the scenes, noting that while some organisers will reach out directly, other times you have to go out and pitch the job yourself.
The Central University of Technology (CUT) was transformed into a vibrant hub of empowerment and high fashion as the annual Women’s Day Business and Fashion Fest kicked off under the theme, “Breaking Barriers, Building Legacies”
Held to mark South Africa’s Women’s Month, the gathering served as a glamorous preview show for Free State Fashion Week (FSFW), which celebrates its milestone 10th anniversary this year.
In partnership with commercial radio Metro FM, the festival blended high-profile runway showcases with critical business panels and a touch of pink clothing on all guests.
The prestigious event was steered by media entrepreneur Mags Shivanda and radio broadcaster Somizi Mhlongo.
Taking the stage, founder and CEO of FSFW Candy Smith shared her inspiring journey as a self-taught designer from Welkom who launched FSFW in 2016 to give local talent a professional platform.
She says her vision expanded in 2017 with the launch of the Free State Fashion Hub, an accredited training institution that mentors 20 to 30 emerging designers annually and famously took local talent to showcase in New York in 2018.
Smith says FSFW was designed as a sustainable economic engine where regional creatives can transform raw talent into viable commercial enterprises.
She says she is proud to have had every women present and said she feels really thankful for their continuous support in the success of her event.
Beyond the fashion, the festival delivered critical masterclasses on career longevity and digital growth.
Guest speaker and media personality Palesa Chubisi gave a candid address detailing the turbulent ups and downs of the modern media landscape, while SABC General Manager Dr Kina Nhlengenthwa shared insights on how modern entrepreneurs can leverage digital media platforms to scale local businesses.
DJ and radio broadcaster Lamiez Morule also graced the even and motivated women to accept and love their bodies just as they are.
During the program, Shivanda praised the business breakfasts immediate impact on the local economy, saying that her local makeup artist, Gomolemo Meje had secured multiple bookings that morning alone due to the influx of visitors.
“My make-up artist was mentioning this morning how grateful she is for such events because just that morning she had three other bookings before her.
“So I am honoured to be a part of such a wonderful event, I have seen Candy grow in FSFW over the years, it is amazing to witness, she said.
The day commenced with a powerful opening address by Dr B Mkhize from the CUT Hospitality Department who praised the the organisation behind the event and drew comparisons to the biblical figures of Esther and Deborah, challenging attendees to turn personal resilience into lasting historical legacies.
Meanwhile the runway came alive with breathtaking collections from acclaimed brands By Grace and Shirqreates, brought to life by Miss SA Crown Chaser Palesa Van Rooyen and Free Stare influencers including Ernest Mofokeng, Zar Ntseto, Bucie Tlhokwe, Mbulelo Mbira, and Inno Koloba Sebusi.
Speaking to Journal News, runway model Sbongile Mabitle echoed the sentiment of many participants, stating that such professional platforms are important for providing local models with crucial industry exposure.
Model Nandyona Tloome took it straight to the appreciation podium and said, “I am honoured to experience Free State Fashion Week this Women’s Month celebrating the beauty, confidence and creativity of women.
The celebration concluded with a joyful anniversary ceremony featuring a striking black and pink tiered cake to mark a decade of fashion excellence in the Free State.
Guests enjoyed live music sets by musician Presss and gospel singer Puleng Phoofolo, alongside high-energy beats from DJ Amo Afrika.
Closing out the spectacular afternoon, Smith thanked the audience for ten years of unmatched support and officially announced that Free State Fashion Week will take place on 09 October 2026.
The University of the Free State’s men’s football team, Kovsies, has shifted its focus to refining defensive concentration and squad fluidity as they take on Tshwane university of technology (TUT) in their next Varsity Football fixture this Friday in Tshwane.
This forward-looking approach comes after the defending champions surrendered a 2-1 lead to ultimately fall 4-2 against the University of Pretoria (Tuks) at the UFS Stadium in Bloemfontein.
Despite displaying moments of quality, defensive lapses cost Kovsies dearly as they sought to initiate their title defence on home soil.
Kovsies head coach, Mokete Tsotetsi, acknowledged that his side allowed the match to slip away after failing to protect their advantage.
“First game of two halves, we could have won the game. We gave away the game because we were in control. First half, all the goals were sloppy mistakes and deflections because we wanted to act as a team,” Tsotetsi said after their opening defeat.
Tuks initially broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute when Matome Rangata played a sharp through ball to Phiewyinkosi Dube, whose cross created panic before Madela finished cleanly.
Kovsies quickly responded with goalkeeper, Lethokuhle Makhaya, converting a penalty to equalise, before captain Jerome Jansen capitalised on a defensive error to give UFS a 2-1 lead at halftime.
The visitors hit back rapidly in the second half, with Rangata punishing another defensive mistake in the 51st minute to restore parity. Samukelo Ngodela then powered home a header in the 66th minute to put Tuks ahead, before Paballo Mamabolo sealed victory with a clever backheel through the goalkeeper’s legs.
Notwithstanding the result, Tsotetsi expressed pride in his players' commitment, particularly those making their debuts in the tournament.
“So, it’s one of those first games, new boys, they did well. I’m happy with how we played. We gave away easy goals, lack of concentration, but the boys did well. I cannot forget how they did well. I cannot fault them as they did well,” he said
To secure their first win of the campaign, the coaching staff will concentrate on tactical discipline and ball retention in training this week.
“To put the ball on the ground more and to work on our defence. We work on concentration, so that when we have the ball, we create chances,” said Tsotetsi.
About 1,392 students at the Central University of Technology (CUT) Welkom Campus are set to receive their accommodation allowances directly from the university.
This commitment was made during an intervention meeting by the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Yusuf Cassim who visited the campus to meet affected students and CUT management over the ongoing accommodation allowance delays.
According to Cassim, many of the affected students are living in unaccredited accommodation and have been waiting for their allowances despite assurances from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) that the matter would be resolved.
Cassim says, a payment plan had previously been agreed after the CUT accommodation issue was raised with NSFAS Administrator Professor Hlengani Mathebula during a meeting in Cape Town on 14 July but further administrative processes resulted in only 260 students having their allowance payments confirmed, leaving the majority of affected students without financial support.
Cassim called for the matter to be resolved without further delays and read out an NSFAS letter approving a deviation for the 2026 academic year.
The approval allows affected students to remain in their accommodations and receive an accommodation allowance of R2500 per student per month.
The allowance will be paid directly to the students.
“CUT should pay the allowances directly to the affected students because the institution already has the relevant student information and banking details,” said Cassim
The university’s vice-chancellor, Professor Pamela Zibuyile Dube, committed to ensuring that the payments are made directly to students as quickly as possible.
“The delays have raised concerns about the welfare of students,” said Cassim
He said that it is concerning for students to face possible eviction because of the continued payment delays.
“The accommodation concerns are not limited to the Welkom Campus. Students at CUT’s Bloemfontein Campus also reported concerns about some accredited accommodation being in poor condition.
“Some of the student accommodation is located near night clubs and drinking establishments, he said.
Cassim has requested that these concerns be included in a report on the suitability and quality of accredited student accommodation. The report will be submitted to his office and the student accommodation section of NSFAS for further investigation.
He also called on the Student Representative Councils at both campuses to maintain constructive relations with CUT management and work together to resolve institutional challenges.
He thanked Zibuyile Dube and her management team for working to urgently address the accommodation challenges faced by students.
Banyana Banyana secured qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup through the positional play-offs, after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Nigeria on Thursday evening at Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco.
Goals from Thembi Kgatlana and Refiloe Jane were enough to book South Africa’s place at the global showpiece, despite their earlier exit from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
For Nigeria’s Super Falcons, the defeat signified the end of their World Cup ambitions. They failed to qualify for the tournament for the first time in their history. It also capped a disappointing WAFCON campaign, in which they failed to reach the semi-finals for the first time.
The opening half produced few clear-cut chances. Nigeria came closest, when Michelle Alozie’s effort from the edge of the area drifted wide of the target.
Banyana enjoyed the better share of possession and moved the ball confidently, but could not translate their dominance into meaningful attacking chances. Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was tested only by a handful of long-range efforts.
Nigeria emerged after the break with more intent. Veteran striker, Asisat Oshoala, found space on the right side of the penalty area, but her delivery was comfortably saved by Kaylin Swart, with teammates waiting in the box.
Swart then produced one of several crucial saves, when Oshoala was presented with a golden opportunity after the ball dropped inside the six-yard box. However, the Nigerian forward failed to make clean contact, and the chance went begging before she was substituted shortly afterwards.
South Africa broke the deadlock in the 61st minute. Linda Motlhalo threaded a perfectly weighted pass to Hilda Magaia, who burst down the left flank before catching Nigeria’s defence off guard with a low cross. Kgatlana arrived unmarked to tuck into the net, with Nnadozie getting a boot to the effort but unable to prevent it from crossing the line.
The goal took Kgatlana’s tally to four for the tournament and eight overall at WAFCON, since scoring four times in the 2018 edition.
Shortly afterwards, Nnadozie denied Kgatlana a second goal with an excellent low save. In contrast, Swart responded at the opposite end with another outstanding stop to keep out Uchenna Kanu’s powerful header.
That save proved decisive, as moments later, Nigeria partially cleared a corner and Jane reacted quickest. Her close-range effort took a deflection off Nnadozie before finding the back of the net to double South Africa’s advantage.
In the stroke of 90 minutes, Nigeria was rewarded with a penalty after Jane conspicuously handled the ball in the box, resulting in a red card for a second bookable offence.
Christy Ucheibe buried the 12-yard spot kick with poise to give Nigeria hope, but they could not force the equaliser. Banyana Banyana held on to seal qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Mangaung’s political stability has come under the spotlight, with a political analyst crediting the incumbent Executive Mayor and mayoral candidate Gregory Nthatisi for helping to steer the metro through a period of political uncertainty and factional tensions.
The analyst says Nthatisi’s leadership approach, political experience and ability to engage different political parties have contributed to creating a more stable political environment in the metro, particularly as the African National Congress (ANC) prepares for the upcoming local government elections.
The ruling party secured an outright majority in Mangaung during the 2021 local government elections, winning 51 of the 100 council seats after garnering 50.63% of the vote, down from 56.52% in 2016.
This was followed by what many described as one of the most chaotic periods in the metro’s history under then-mayor Mxolisi Siyonzana, who was later removed by the ANC’s interim provincial committee (IPC), led by current provincial chairperson Mxolisi Dukwana.
Siyonzana’s removal came months after the ANC expelled eight councillors for voting with opposition parties. Those expelled included then-Speaker Stefanie Lockman and Deputy Mayor Mapaseka Mothibi-Nkoane.
Speaking to Journal News on the sidelines of a community high-level seminar hosted by the Free State Legislature on Thursday, political analyst Professor Sethulego Matebesi of the University of the Free State attributed Nthatisi’s success in stabilising the municipality to his humility and political experience.
Matebesi said Nthatisi’s personal characteristics have been beneficial not only to Mangaung but also to the province, particularly because most councillors in the metro belong to the same political party as the mayor.
“Sometimes, to guide them, you need a political master. Perhaps it is his quiet diplomacy, which in itself is quite significant in terms of leadership, that has helped reduce conflict within the council and the party,” Matebesi said.
He said Nthatisi’s willingness to acknowledge the municipality’s shortcomings was another positive leadership quality.
“I have also noted that he is quick to accept when the municipality has done wrong. It is just that the nature of our municipality sometimes becomes so difficult, but we should also not accept that,” he said.
Matebesi acknowledged that Mangaung still faces service delivery challenges but said the metro also had notable positives.
“We have access to water. Yes, there are some communities without it, but we have access to water. Our robots are working most of the time. So there are a lot of positives. But I strongly believe that, as a municipality, we can do better,” he said.
